Looking for the Best Ways to Control Holiday Weight Gain this year?
You might be wanting these Best Ways to Control Holiday Weight Gain if you’re tired of the gain year after year.
C’mon. You know what I mean or you wouldn’t be here reading this right now. I know this because I also struggle.
The cookies and yummy treats are endless. Everyone wants to share what they’ve made or bought you. As we know, this is how we tend to eat too much and gain weight.
The good news is this: You can control your holiday weight gain!
In this post, I will share:
- How to make a plan for holiday weight control
- Best Ways to Control Holiday Weight Gain This Year
- Little things you can do to be successful.
It really doesn’t have to be hard to feel good. You don’t have feel like you overdid it. Just a few little things can help you to control your weight and feel great!
Let’s jump into the ways.
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Make a Plan
Always start with a plan. You can save this for last, but I wanted to bring it to the forefront first. It’s sort of the plan that brings it all together.
Here are some parts of the plan you should definitely include. I will go into them in depth:
- Portion Control
- Snacking
- Drinking
- Tracking
- Exercise
- Intermittent Fasting
- Staying OFF the Scale
That seems like a lot to remember doesn’t it? Really what you need to know is that you are creating a lifestyle routine that will help you control your weight every day. Not just through the holidays.
I’m not going to tell you to not enjoy your favorite foods. That’s not what I do so why would I tell you to? ENJOY all your favorites! But make a plan to get back on track.
The holidays are such a small percentage of your life. It’s truly not worth stressing over any weight gain that you can lose but there are ways to control your weight. I’m going to go into the parts of the plan now.
Let’s start with avoiding the snacks.
Try not to snack ALL the time
It’s hard not to snack through the holidays. I will be the first to admit that.
However, I think that every calorie counts and snacks can really rack them up. This leads to weight gain if you’re not active.
Whether it’s salty, sweet, tart or other that you are craving in your favorite holiday treat, I’m giving you permission today to eat it. Yes, please.
However, in your plan, please put limits on how much you get. Do some research on how much is too much and stay within the limit. And eat when you’re truly hungry.
So, this doesn’t mean you’re eating this snack all the time. That’s important to remember.
In the mean time, chew gum or drink more zero calorie drink to curb the cravings you have until you’re truly hungry enough to enjoy your treat. It’s all a mental game and you being strong.
It’s All About the Portions
Slow down on those cookies!
This is something I’m still learning. Somewhere in my years, I’ve had this thinking that if I didn’t eat all of my favorite food, there wasn’t going to be anymore of it. That simply isn’t true.
And I’m not just talking the sweets and sugar. It’s the green bean casserole for me, too! It all adds up with portion sizes.
So, portion control is very important. Here’s some tips to control your portions:
- Use a smaller plate.
- Eat slowly.
- Only dish out one spoonful of each food.
- Don’t go back for seconds.
- Write Down Everything
Portions can be so difficult. Don’t overdo it. It’s not so much about WHAT you eat, but HOW you eat it that really makes the difference.
Just remember that it can all add up and you can overdo it. But if that happens, just get right back on track. Keep in mind that what you drink matters, just as much as what you eat.
Drink More Water
Did you know your brain tricks you into thinking it’s hungry when it’s actually…Thirsty? You could actually be dehydrated! Knowing this can give you huge benefits to learning to control your weight during the holidays.
Drinking more water can help you to feel full so that you only eat when you’re hungry. It helps you with portion control.
If you drink a big glass of water 10-15 minutes before you eat, you actually feel more full. And you’ll be able to control your portions! Drink as much water as you can.
I try to drink a gallon of water every day all day.
Yes, enjoy the holiday drinks, too. But keep in mind that they can lead to weight gain, too.
Track What You Eat…And Drink
Write down everything you eat. And don’t forget those drinks that add in calories.
This can be a pain but it’s all part of your plan. Yes, plan out your day of eating and drinking and stick to that. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.
I use an app called MyFitnessPal to track but you can simply use a journal to write it in. Tracking will help keep you accountable and in control.
Make Time to Move
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you should nix your workout routine. Exercise is very important for your physical and mental health.
There’s lots of ways to still get your exercise in when the distraction of the holidays get in the way. Here’s some tips:
- Exercise first thing in the morning when you get up.
- Take a walk with your family. Keep them accountable, too.
- Just play and do something fun. Even playing with the kids will help you move.
It’s definitely about balance. You should be able to enjoy and eat what you want but make sure to throw in some exercise to level it all out.
Intermittent Fasting
This is something I do on a regular basis but only because I’ve learned to only eat when I’m hungry. I’m working hard to try to eat to live and I’ve learned that we don’t have to eat as often if we don’t need to.
I try to fast for 18 hours at least. So, if we eat supper at 6 p.m., I won’t eat again until noon the next day. I will drink water but that’s it. This is called intermittent fasting.
Usually I find that I am not hungry at all during this time. It’s a good way to get control of my hunger levels but also get back on track with my eating during the holidays.
Stay Away from the Scale
Finally, stay off the scale until the holidays are over. In fact, don’t weigh yourself so dang much.
I remember years ago when I was in High School. I was trying so hard to lose weight and nothing was working. But I would weigh myself several times a day.
This is not healthy behavior. It creates an anxiety and a lifestyle that is unhealthy. It’s important to eat and drink healthy, track what you eat and exercise. If you must weigh yourself for some motivation, strive for once a week.
Remember that It’s Only For a Short Time
To be honest, having a plan you can stick to for weight control does work. But sticking to it is the tricky part. There’s so many distractions and good things during the holidays to love that can ruin your plan.
But what it really comes down to is not depriving yourself from your favorite holiday treats.
It also comes down to the little things and having some self control.
I’m here to say your life isn’t about losing weight. Please enjoy your favorite foods during the holidays! Just get right back on track the next day.
Also, please allow yourself to have those special treats or find healthier swaps for them. Don’t deprive yourself. Plan ahead for parties and meals for what you want to eat.
I hope this post about the best ways to control holiday weight gain has helped you to make a plan you can work with. Enjoy the food and the holidays!
~ Much Love ~
